Abstract
Costa Rica had an important, high quality pearl industry at international level. Additionally, there was intense exploitation of the nacre shell (mother of pearl) during the XIX century. The fame of our pearls as well as their trade significantly decreased during the first quarter of the XX century, it all but ended possibly due to overexploitation and lack of trade caused by the decrease of their value brought about by the cultured pearls industry. Costa Rican pearls were intensely extracted from the Santa Elena, Culebra and El Coco bays as well from the Nicoya gulf. The most abundant pearl producing species in the region is Pinctada mazatlanica as well as some populations of Pteria sterna. Nowadays, Pinctada mazatlanica is extracted in an artisanal fashion in Santa Elena’s bay both as food and for its pearls. However, there is no clear data about the importance of the current market, so specialized studies (biological and economical) aiming to determine if this market could be reestablished sustainably for the local populations are recommended.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
